Retail Crime Advisory Group Statement on Crimes Amendment Bill

Yesterday, the Government introduced a Bill that will strengthen the penalties for shoplifting and better protect victims of crime, says Sunny Kaushal, Chair of the Ministerial Advisory Group for the Victims of Retail Crime.
“Christmas has come early to retailers”.
“This is a direct result of our work at the Retail Crime Ministerial Advisory Group. The Bill will put into law the proposals we made in our first two reports to Government on reforming shoplifting laws and citizens’ arrest powers”.
“This is a major win. I have had over 40 engagements with retailers across the country – from Kaitaia to Invercargill, Gisborne to Taranaki. I have been overwhelmed by the level of support these proposals have received”.
“I am proud of the progress achieved and the quality of policy work produced through the Group, which continues to receive strong appreciation from retailers across the country. In just one year, we have submitted five major policy papers, each of high quality and well received. The Government has accepted the first three major reform proposals, now progressing through the legislative process, a clear signal of confidence in the MAG’s work. Further reforms are underway to protect and support New Zealand businesses”.
“Ultimately, this is about creating a zero-tolerance response to retail crime – one where criminals know they will be held to account if they choose to offend, and victims feel like the law is backing them”.
“I look forward to Bill progressing to Select Committee so that retailers can have their say”. “And this is just the beginning”. “The Prime Minister recently said the Government is due to decide on move-on orders soon, another proposal of the Retail Crime Ministerial Advisory Group”. “Next year, we should see another Bill being introduced to bring the Trespass Act into the 21st century.”
“This is all the product of the hard work of retailers. I want to thank every retailer who has taken the time to participate in shaping our advice to Government. We have a Government that is listening to us and delivering results”.